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Physical symptoms

changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)

constipation

unexplained aches and pains

lack of energy

low sex drive (loss of libido)

changes to your menstrual cycle

disturbed sleep – difficulty falling asleep, waking up early or sleeping more than usual

Social symptoms

The social symptoms of clinical depression include:

not doing well at work

avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities

neglecting your hobbies and interests

having difficulties in your home and family life

Severities of clinical depression

Clinical depression can often come on gradually. So it can be difficult to notice when something is wrong. You might try to cope with the symptoms without realising you're unwell. It can sometimes take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong.

The severity of clinical depression depends on how much impact it has on your daily life:

mild clinical depression – has some impact

moderate clinical depression – has a significant impact

severe clinical depression – almost impossible to get through daily life

You can have clinical depression and other mental health disorders. For example, anxiety, psychosis or other difficulties.

Grief and depression

It can be difficult to know the difference between grief and clinical depression. Both are similar, but there are differences.

Grief is a natural response to a loss. Clinical depression is an illness.

When you are grieving, you find feelings of sadness and loss come and go. But you are still able to enjoy things and look forward to the future.

If you have clinical depression, you always feel sad. You don't enjoy anything and find it difficult to be positive about the future.

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Other types of depression

There are different types of depression. Some conditions may also include depression as a symptom.

Postnatal depression

Some women develop depression after they have a baby. This is postnatal depression. It's treated in a similar way to other types of depression. This includes talking therapies and antidepressant medicines.